Women and Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease is any benign or malignant condition that affects the structure or functioning of the thyroid gland,1 impacting its ability to produce the hormones required for proper metabolism.

Common manifestations of thyroid disease in women include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. The most common cause of thyroid disorders worldwide is iodine deficiency. In areas where iodine deficiency is not prevalent, such as in the U.S., thyroid disease in women is generally the result of autoimmune disease.2

Thyroid disease can affect anyone at any age, but is most prevalent among females.3

Globally, 1 billion people are at risk for iodine deficiency that can lead to thyroid disease.4

It is estimated that 200 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease.5

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are 10 times more common in women than in men.6